Miami is about to get a hearty dose of Midwest flavor – specifically from Cleveland, a city whose artists are gearing up to take the Prizm Art Fair by storm during this year's Miami Art Week. Eight of Cleveland's own, ranging from up-and-comers to established voices, are about to splash onto the international scene, thanks to the unwavering support of their hometown.
In a move that pairs local initiative with global exposure, the City of Cleveland has thrown its weight behind these creative talents. Rhonda Brown, the Senior Strategist for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy for the City of Cleveland, put it rather succinctly when she said, "This marks a pivotal moment for Cleveland's artistic community." She continued to outline her vision in a statement obtained by the City of Cleveland’s official site, highlighting the strategy to network with international collectors and curators through a platform known for amplifying voices from the African diaspora.
Mikhaile Solomon, the founder of the Prizm Art Fair, took a tour of Cleveland's studios last spring, which sparked the connection to this opportunity. Twenty pieces, including 18 two-dimensional works and two sculptures, will represent not only the artists but also the complex narratives of the African American and Black experience—a central theme of Prizm. Among the talent are Lawrence Baker, Mark Howard, and Amber Ford, all aligned with the city's mission of showcasing the depth of its creative pulse.
Jeremy Johnson, President and CEO of Assembly for the Arts is another one banking on the exposure, "Our hope is this exposure will shine an international light on the incredible art emerging from greater Cleveland," he quipped, according to a statement to the City of Cleveland’s official site. Notably, Assembly for the Arts is one among many partners, including the George Gund Foundation and the Cleveland Institute of Art, backing these artists on the global stage.
As for the talent coming out of the Cleveland Institute of Art, their President and CEO, Kathryn J. Heidemann, couldn’t contain her pride, "The creativity, thoughtfulness, and profound vision of these artists will be experienced by an international audience" as she told Cleveland’s official site. The fact that this includes current students and alumni of the CIA certainly reflects well on the institution. The Ice Palace Studios in Miami, where the Prizm Art Fair is set to take place from December 3 through December 8, is about to be Cleveland’s canvas, and the art world is watching with keen interest.
